《English_Joint Statement by 74 Japanese Scholars》.pdfVIP

July 17, 2015 On the Prime Minister’s Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II : A Joint Statement by 74 Japanese Scholars of International Law, History, and International Politics Prime Minister ABE Shinzo is expected to issue a statement this summer on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. This statement has been the focus of close attention from inside and outside of Japan. We, scholars of international law, history, and international politics, as citizens of Japan and as academic experts on the legal, historical, and political issues of international concern, have long been involved in research on the problems and concerns that may be addressed in and affected by the Prime Minister’s statement. As individual scholars, we differ in our academic standpoints and political beliefs. Despite these differences, we share the common perspective stated below. We have come to believe that it is our social responsibility as academic professionals to announce this statement and share it with Japanese citizens and political leaders, as well as concerned individuals overseas. Thus we express the following viewpoints. (1) A statement by the Prime Minister must first and foremost express deep gratitude to our predecessors who endeavored, from the days of 1945 when many of our cities had been burnt to the ground and our people faced starvation, to establish the peace and prosperity that Japan enjoys today. As the nation’s chief executive, the Prime Minister is called upon to express his resolve to the public t